[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 120 (Thursday, September 12, 2013)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1310] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING ANDERSON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH _____ HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON of mississippi in the house of representatives Thursday, September 12, 2013 Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Anderson United Methodist Church Jackson, Mississippi. Anderson United Methodist Church began as a mission in 1914 under the leadership of local ministers from the Central and Pratt Methodist Episcopal Churches. One of the ministers, the late Rev. R. L. Pickens, then pastor of Central, helped organize the Cloverleaf Methodist Episcopal Mission. During the 1920s, the first group of members met at the home of William Harper on Woodrow Wilson Avenue where they worshiped until a specific location was secured. By 1928, a temporary house of worship for the Mission had been obtained, an old abandoned store on Whitfield Mill Road, (now Martin Luther King Dr.). In 1936, a lot on Spring Street was purchased, and the first church building was constructed. It was named for the Rev. R. L. Anderson the first conference appointed minister. Rev. Anderson died in 1930. The Rev. I. R. Kersh, Sr., was the pastor at the time Anderson Chapel, as it was known then, was constructed. During the next fifty- five years, the following ministers Pastored Anderson Chapel: Reverends J.C. Bell, Golden Price, S.L. Webb, W.J. Eubanks, N.W. Ross, R.D. Gerald, Whalon Blackmon, T.S. Davis, A.L. Holland, F.P. Leonard, C.P. Payne, H.C. Clay, Sr., and John L. Baker. In September 1952, under the leadership of Rev. Blackmon, a new structure was built on Page Street and given the name Anderson Memorial. In 1968, under C.P. Payne, Anderson Memorial became Anderson United Methodist Church. In 1972, during the tenure of Rev. Clay, the white and black United Methodist conference merged into one conference. In 1985, Rev. Jeffrey A. Stallworth was appointed pastor at Anderson. It was under his leadership that the church moved to 485 West Northside Drive. Because of the tremendous growth, Anderson relocated to I-220 at Hanging Moss Road in November, 1994. At this time, membership was over 1,600. After being at this location for only two years, in December 1996 the membership at Anderson surpassed the 3,000 mark. In June 2002, the Reverend Joe W. May became Pastor of Anderson United Methodist Church. As membership continue to rise, Anderson United Methodist Church works diligently to provide a friendly worship atmosphere. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Anderson United Methodist Church. ____________________